Tuesday, August 17, 2010
A Promise to be Rebuilt
The LORD appeared to him from afar, saying, I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have drawn you with lovingkindness. Again I will build you and you will be rebuilt. Jeremiah 31:3,4 (New American Standard Bible)
Amidst Israel’s coming judgment God gave this precious word through the prophet Jeremiah. It was a proclamation of His love as well as a promise of future work. We must be aware of God’s love in the midst of whatever He is doing our life. His intervention in our life varies. As His children, we experience storms, calmness, chastisement, correction, direction, peace, turmoil, pain, disappointment, joy, and much more. There are times God tears down the things we have built our life upon and then there comes the rebuilding.
I have been through the tearing down process. It wasn’t enjoyable in the least. At times I felt there was too much loss and grief to wade through. I felt there would never come a time when life would feel “right” again. Sadness marked most of my waking hours and sleep was a welcome relief. During my time of tears and sorrow there were some necessities for me. I had to stay in the Word, accept the counsel of friends, and continually ask for God’s grace. Difficult? Yes! Worth it? Absolutely. For I have just recently begun to experience some freedom with a sense of hope.
Now I am entering a time of rebuilding. God has removed my idols and shaken up my faulty foundation of security and now He is rebuilding my walk with Him from the ground up. He is using the truth He has been teaching me all along but this time He is the main Architect. He wants my life to be centered on Him and firm in Him. My growth has to come from my relationship with Him rather than significant people in my life. What is built in that way will never be torn down by Him. It will be lasting!
He is not finished with the renovations that need to be done in me but He is faithful to do it all in love. He knows I will still make mistakes but He does not look at my life as a mistake. This life is short compared to eternity but God will use my remaining days to continue to build me up in Himself. For His loving kindness, tearing down, rebuilding, and watch care, I praise Him!
Father, I joy in You today! Amen.
Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone) - Chris Tomlin
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jbe7OruLk8I
Getting into God's Word and letting God's Word get into me one truth at a time.